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Cyber Security Becoming Top Threat To United States

Cyber Security is at the top of the threat meter, according to President Obama, and several Chief Executive Officers.

Last week’s testimony before the Senate by a high level security official revealed that cyber criminals and attacks actually post a greater threat the the security and stability of the nation than terrorism threats.

Also last week, a White House high level meeting took place with President Obama and C.E.O’s to discuss various modern threats.

There has been quite a bit of activity buzzing around cyber threats and our security recently.

Thomas Donilon, National Security Advisor, spoke before the Asia Society, placing a spotlight on the fact that a major number of attacks source from China.

The Pentagon’s new director of the U.S. Cyber Command, and head of the NSA, Gen. Keith Alexander, informed the Senate Armed Services Committee he will be creating special teams capable of carrying out retaliatory cyber attacks if U.S. networks are compromised.

This isn’t the first time the Obama administration has focused on cyber threats. In 2011, he created initiatives like the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative, and U.S. International Strategy for Cyberspace.

Lets not forget the National Cyber Range created by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).

This isn’t just a governmental or corporate problem. It is a problem that can easily affect each and everyone one of us. An attack on our power grid and infrastructure, a disruptive attack on a financial institution, these are all very real possibilities that we all need to be aware of.

I have created a website ( VirtualThreatLevel.com ) to help explain potential threats, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you are attacked. Information will be regularly updated and expanded as necessary.